Sunday, November 24, 2013

Thankful

It is the start of Thanksgiving week. We've seen post after post on social media this month about being thankful and the week has finally arrived. 

Many years ago, I decided that every day, I would remember why I am thankful...and grateful. It has worked pretty well and I almost never forget to stop, ponder, and remind myself that I am a lucky gal.

Life isn't roses. I have said that before and I will say it again. There are days that are really, really hard and sometimes those days turn into weeks. With that said, every day that all four of us wake up and go to bed is a success and I remind myself of that every day.

This year, I am especially thankful for so many things.

We were fortunate to get pregnant right away with Jackson. It took a year with Karson. We didn't talk about it much outwardly but it was hard. It had been so easy the first time and I am very impatient so waiting and hoping were hard. It was November 1 when we found out I was pregnant. So, one year ago, I was finally pregnant and hoping that things went well (I had had a chemical pregnancy while trying). I am so thankful for Karson. He is such a joy and I can't imagine life without him.

I am really, really thankful for our family/friends. I don't currently have a relationship with my parents. I could talk about it and maybe some day I will but for now, I want all of you to know that you make our lives so special and that you are our family. We don't have much of a relationship with Jason's family either. We don't have grandparents who can watch the kids when we need time off. But, we have some special people that help us day in and day out and I am so thankful for them.

I see lots of articles about social media driving us apart but on the flip side, Facebook has been wonderful for us. Our friends and out of town family can watch our kids grow and can track things. Just last week, a very special friend brought a ton of train stuff to us for Jackson. She may not have known his passion for Thomas without FB. This isn't a new scenario for us. It has happened over and over. 

See, the people in our lives are there for a reason and they have become our family. Blood relation isn't as important as the actual relationship. We currently have friends that are as much family as any of our blood relatives and I am so thankful for them. My girlfriends are my sisters and they know who they are and that I would do anything for them. That is because I know they'll do anything for me and be there whenever I need them.

I am thankful for Jason. It has been a wild year. We got pregnant, I quit my job, I started a new job, I committed myself to boards and committees, had a baby, and am now starting to train for some long distance races and he is so ridiculously supportive. He has taken on a great deal of "daddy" duty and truly splits time with the children so that I can pursue so many things. He is my best friend and I can never thank him enough for the love and support he provides me.

So, in 2013, I am very thankful. We are healthy and happy. We are finding our way as a family of 4. We are looking ahead to the future. 

Happy Thanksgiving friends!

Monday, November 18, 2013

Looking for Champions for Change

When did we become so selfish and self-centered? When did we lose our ability to say "please," "thank you," and other common courtesy phrases. With that said, when did we stop having common courtesy?

I was standing in line at A.C. Moore on Saturday. Karson was asleep in the car seat in the cart. I had moved to the end of the cart to run my credit card. Apparently, I wasn't moving fast enough because the woman behind me bumped the cart. Twice. Yes, twice. With my baby right there in her face. Literally in her face. The car seat sits right about eye level in those carts. The issue is that I was moving as fast as I could. I wanted to get out quick because the longer we stand still, the more likely it is that Karson will wake up.

When I left, I did what we all do. I went to Facebook. I asked friends for stories and opinions and I got several.

I discovered that we are bothered by an array of issues. I noticed a pattern. We almost all agreed that it would be great if people said "excuse me" once in awhile. And I don't mean saying "excuse me" after someone has bumped into you. If you bump someone then just say, "I am sorry. Excuse me."

I believe that it boils down to selfishness. We are out for ourselves. We don't care about others. Shake your head if you want but it is true. When did we lose the concept of personal space? We are in such a hurry to check out that we creep up on the person in front of us. The woman at the grocery store on Sunday was less than 6 inches from me while I signed my credit card slip. Why? It isn't going to make the cashier move any faster. He can't do anything until I hand him my slip. And, if you are in my way and hovering then I can't reach him anyway.

We get so mad if someone calls us "ma'am" or "sir" but I think of it as a sign of respect. It doesn't make me feel old to be called "ma'am" because I was raised to call everyone that I respect either "ma'am" or "sir." Years ago while working at a local YMCA, I had a co-worker rip me a new one because I called her "ma'am." She was so mean about it that I almost cried. 

I could go on and on. I could post all of the notes from Facebook. We could really go on a tirade here and start calling people out. That doesn't do us any good.

Why not start a movement? Why not be a champion for change? That whole "pay it forward" thing - why don't we "pay it forward" with kindness and compassion and common courtesy.

This week, let's try a few things:
Say excuse me when you bump someone.
Don't stand close enough to bump someone in the first place.
Say please and thank you.
Hold the door open for someone.
Respect personal space (at least 2 feet between you and the next person).

Our children, our friends, our colleagues, and our families mimic what happens around them. It happens naturally. If you bring back common courtesy then those around you will do the same. 

Be the leader and promote the change this holiday season.

Now, if you'll please excuse me, I need to get some sleep. Goodnight friends.


A Weight Lifted

I started this blog when Jackson was a baby with the intent to write about everyday life with kiddos. There are tons of books out there on r...